Sheila Ryan Biography: Obituary, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Films, Husband, Children

Katherine Elizabeth McLaughlin, professionally known as Sheila Ryan, was an American actress recognized for her extensive career in film and television. She began her Hollywood career in 1939 and was signed by 20th Century Fox in 1940.

Over the years, she appeared in more than 60 films, including Great Guns (1941), A-Haunting We Will Go (1942), and The Gang’s All Here (1943). She frequently collaborated with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers in Western films.

In addition to her film career, Ryan made notable television appearances, including episodes of The Lone Ranger, such as “Pete and Pedro” (1949) and “The Whimsical Bandit” (1950). She retired from acting in 1968.

Profile

• Full Name: Katherine Elizabeth McLaughlin
• Stage Name: Sheila Ryan
• Born: June 8 1921
• Died: November 4, 1975
• Age: 54 years old
• Birthplace: Topeka, Kansas, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: American actress
• Height: 1.65 m
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin.
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Pat Buttram (m. 1952–1975), Edward Norris (m. 1947–1949) ·, Allan Lane ​(m. 1945–1946)
• Children: Kerry Buttram-Galgano
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

Katherine Elizabeth McLaughlin was born on June 8, 1921, in Topeka, Kansas, United States. While details about her parents remain unknown, they can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin.

It is unclear whether she had any siblings, as there is no information about her family background. Information regarding her education is also limited, and whether she pursued formal schooling is unknown. McLaughlin was of white ethnicity, but her religious beliefs were not documented.

Career

Sheila Ryan began her acting career in Hollywood in 1939 at 18, gaining early experience at television station W6XAO in Los Angeles. She debuted her film with minor roles in What a Life (1939) and The Farmer’s Daughter (1940).

Her talent quickly caught the attention of industry professionals, and in 1940, she was named one of Hollywood’s “Baby Stars,” an honour given to promising young actresses. Shortly after, she signed with 20th Century Fox and adopted the stage name Sheila Ryan.

During the early 1940s, Ryan gained recognition with roles in films such as Dressed to Kill (1941), Great Guns (1941), and A-Haunting We Will Go (1942), both of which were Laurel and Hardy productions.

She also appeared in the Busby Berkeley musical The Gang’s All Here (1943). She took on roles in popular mystery films throughout the decade, including several entries in the Charlie Chan and Michael Shayne series. However, as the 1940s progressed, her career shifted towards B-movies, particularly Westerns.

She co-starred with Gene Autry and Roy Rogers in films such as The Cowboys and the Indians (1949) and Mule Train (1950). Beyond cinema, Ryan transitioned into television, making guest appearances on shows like The Lone Ranger and The Gene Autry Show.

Her television career extended into the 1950s, with roles in Annie Oakley and Death Valley Days. Despite her continued presence in the industry, her roles became less frequent, and she eventually retired from acting in 1968.

Social Media

Sheila Ryan does not have social media accounts.

Personal Life

Sheila Ryan (1921–1975) was married three times. Her first marriage was to actor Allan “Rocky” Lane on October 5, 1945, in Las Vegas, but it ended in divorce shortly after. She later married actor Edward Norris, though their relationship faced difficulties by 1948.

In late 1951, Ryan married actor Pat Buttram, with whom she had a daughter, Katherine. Their marriage was long-lasting and remained strong until her passing. She died on November 4, 1975, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, from a lung disease she contracted during a Mexican cruise in 1974.

Filmography

Films:

• What a Life (1939)
• The Farmer’s Daughter (1940)
• The Way of All Flesh (1940)
• Dressed to Kill (1941)
• Great Guns (1941)
• Pardon My Stripes (1942)
• Lone Star Ranger (1942)
• Who Is Hope Schuyler? (1942)
• Footlight Serenade (1942)
• A-Haunting We Will Go (1942)
• Careful, Soft Shoulders (1942)
• Ladies of Washington (1944)
• Something for the Boys (1944)
• The Caribbean Mystery (1945)
• Getting Gertie’s Garter (1945)
• Deadline for Murder (1946)
• Square Dance Katy (1950)
• Fingerprints Don’t Lie (1951)
• Mask of the Dragon (1951)
• Gold Raiders (1951)
• Jungle Manhunt (1951)
• On Top of Old Smoky (1953)
• Pack Train (1953)
• Street of Darkness (1958)

Television Shows:

• The Lone Ranger (1949-1950)
• The Gene Autry Show (1950-1954)
• Annie Oakley (1954)
• Death Valley Days (1953)
• Adventures of the Falcon (1954)
• Captain Midnight (1954)

Net Worth

Sheila Ryan’s net worth and financial status remain unknown, as there is no publicly available information on her earnings or assets.

While she likely accumulated wealth through her successful career as an American actress, specific details about her financial standing have not been documented.